BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship) - Argentina forward Luis Scola admits that a defeat in the FIBA Americas Championship's opening duel against Uruguay would be a terrible blow that could affect their chances to make it to the 2008 Olympic Games.

The tournament that will take place in Las Vegas gets underway on August 22, but Argentina's debut is scheduled one day later against the Charruas, who defeated them in the Pan American Games' bronze medal match and also in three warm-up friendlies.

Scola, who has signed a contract with Houston Rockets to became the sixth Argentinian in the NBA next season, commented that the reigning Olympic champions must beat the Uruguayans if they want to keep their chances of booking one of the two Olympic berths alive.

"The next game is always the most difficult and Uruguay are our next rivals. They are a terribly tough team and will not be easy to beat them at all," said Scola.

"We all respect Uruguay and take precautions for that game.

"To lose the first game would be terrible for us, so it will be crucial to win it."

Sergio Hernandez's side defeated Canada 113-83 on Friday night at Buenos Aires' Luna Park and Scola was satisfied with the win.

"Improvement is always positive, but we still have a lot to do," he added. "It was a warm-up friendly so we cannot take much from it. We have to keep on working hard every day.

"We shouldn't believe we are an excellent team after that victory."